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Japan plans real-world diesel emissions test after companies fail

Japan's transport ministry plans to start real-world diesel emissions tests after an experiment found four models from Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi that produced more nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions than the nation's rules allow, according to The Japan Times. Regulators there usually only perform emissions checks in the lab. The VW diesel scandal has everyone double-checking their figures. Diesel versions of the Toyota Hiace van, Land Cruiser Prado, and Nissan X-Trail produced up to 10 times more NOx than allowed. The Mitsubishi Delica D:5 was up to five times over the limit, The Wall Street Journal reports. There was no evidence of defeat devices in the vehicles. Mazda performed well in the experiment, though. The CX-5 passed with nearly the same results on the road and in the lab. The Demio, better known as the Mazda2, did nearly as well with only slighter higher figures in the real world than in the controlled setting. The experimenters theorized the reason for the excessive emissions was that cold weather caused the engines' software to shut off the exhaust gas recirculation to prevent damage, according to the WSJ. However, this behavior also increased NOx production. Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi don't have to worry about punishment from the transport ministry because this check was just an experiment. Their models already passed the mandated lab tests, which was the only requirement, according to The Japan Times. As governments begin greater real-world emissions tests, the results suggests diesels aren't very clean. A recent check in France found models from Ford, Renault, and Mercedes-Benz that didn't perform up to the standards. Regulators in India conducted similar evaluations and ordered VW to recall over 300,000 vehicles. Related Video:

10 most memorable cars and SUVs of 2019

It's no surprise that a car reviewer will drive a large number of cars over the course of a year. Indeed, when the clock strikes midnight on Dec 31, I will have driven 75 new cars, trucks and SUV this year (and one old Peugeot) over the course of weekly evaluation loans and first drive events. That sure seems like a lot. Some definitely got more attention than others, and some came and went without leaving much of an impression – I completely forgot I drove a Kia Forte. Yet in the spirit of this day, I thought I'd pick the 10 that I would love to see under the Christmas tree tomorrow morning. You know, just in case you were looking to get me something. I'll also throw in a couple disappointments that were memorable for the wrong reasons. They'd get sent back to the store on Boxing Day. Lexus LC 500 Pictured below and resplendent in its Flare Yellow metallic paint, the car that would reach highest on my list is the divine Lexus LC 500. As a devout lover of GT cars, the LC ticks all the boxes. Muscular and characterful engine? V8, check. Beautifully made and memorable interior? It's gorgeous, to hell with Remote Touch. Check. Comfortable and reasonably practical? Superb seats and, uh, yeah. Makes me want to stand there and stare at it? You bet. Though I long figured my heart would say LC but my head "Porsche 911," after this go-around, that's no longer the case. LC, pretty please. 2020-lexus-lc500-f34-2 View 19 Photos Polestar 1 I actually feel lucky that I got to drive the Polestar 1. Only 150 will be produced each year, and it's a far more special thing than it would initially appear. And that's despite initially appearing to be a beautiful, classic two-door GT car with a roof so rakish it's only possible because it's made of carbon fiber. That itÂ’s a massively powerful plug-in hybrid with more all-electric range than any other PHEV is a thick dollop of whipped cream on a slice of Toscakaka. You know, Swedish dessert, Swedish car. Fine, I'll stick to Ikea references.  Polestar1_Launch_SanFrancisco-0014 View 44 Photos Volvo V60 Cross Country Speaking of Sweden, did I drive this car off the road there? Sure did! And despite this, the V60 Cross Country scratches that certain wagon itch and looks sensational to boot. I wish it were available with the T8 plug-in hybrid powertrain, but it's best not to get greedy at Christmas.

2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata due for price bump, more safety tech

Mazda hasn’t released official information yet on its 2020 MX-5 Miata, but CarsDirect got its hands on an early draft of an order guide, which suggests both the soft- and hard-top versions of the roadster are due for a price bump after receiving more standard safety technology and some suspension upgrades on certain manual models. Starting price on the 2020 Miata Sport Soft-Top will be $26,580, not including destination, which is reportedly not yet listed, according to the report. ThatÂ’s $850 above the non-inclusive 2019 base price. The price hike on the Grand Touring trim is even higher, at $1,090. For the RF Club Hardtop, starting price inches up by $700 to $33,045 — again, excluding destination, which was $895 for 2019. If you want to drive stick, prepare to pay more for the Grand Touring manual versions, which will climb by $890 and $1,090 for the soft- and hard-top versions, respectively. ThatÂ’s down to new Bilstein shocks, a limited-slip differential, front shock tower braces and a sport-tuned suspension, which should make for fun driving for stick enthusiasts. The big news is that the i-Activesense suite of safety technologies, previously offered as a package, will go standard across all trim levels. It features lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and low-speed automated braking. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will also reportedly debut on both versions of the roadster as standard on Club trims and above. The Miata is already coming off a 2019 when it got an infusion of 26 more ponies and 3 pound-feet, bringing output to 181 hp and 151 lb-ft from its 2.0-liter Skyactiv-G inline-four engine, plus that limited-edition 30th Anniversary model. Looking ahead, Mazda is reportedly toying with the idea of electrifying its lightweight roadster for its next generation, expected mid-next decade. Related Video: